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Psalm 4:3
But know that the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to him.
1For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by David. Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.
2You sons of men, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity and seek after falsehood? Selah.
3But know that the LORD has set apart for himself him who is godly; The LORD will hear when I call to him.
4Stand in awe, and don’t sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in the LORD.
Notice
“For himself” makes David’s confidence personal: amid dishonor and distress, he speaks of belonging to YHWH and being heard when he calls.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
What does “for himself” suggest about the purpose of being set apart by God?
Write on thisWhere, if anywhere, do other people’s judgments strain your confidence that you belong to YHWH?
Write on thisWhat request would you bring to God with David’s confidence that YHWH will hear?
Write on thisConnect
Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Psalm 3:3But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.Both express David’s confidence in the LORD’s care: one names protection and restored honor, the other belonging and being heard.
John 15:16You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of …Both connect being chosen or set apart with confidence in prayer, though John specifies asking the Father in Jesus’ name.
Titus 2:12instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;Godliness appears in both: the psalm names the person the LORD sets apart, while Titus describes godly conduct in the present age.
Psalm 34:15The LORD’s eyes are toward the righteous. His ears listen to their cry.Both affirm that the LORD hears the prayers of those described as godly or righteous.
Psalm 65:4Blessed is the one whom you choose and cause to come near, that he may live in your courts. We will be filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.Both describe God choosing people for closeness to himself, expressed through being set apart or brought near.
Psalm 91:14–15“Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.Both describe the LORD’s care for someone devoted to him, with hearing emphasized in Psalm 4 and deliverance in Psalm 91.
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through …Both speak of God choosing people for himself, with Thessalonians specifying salvation through the Spirit’s sanctification and belief in the truth.
2 Timothy 2:19However, God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from …Both link belonging to the Lord with godliness; Timothy also commands those who name him to depart from unrighteousness.
2 Peter 2:9then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,Both name the godly as recipients of the Lord’s care: he hears their call and knows how to deliver them.
1 Peter 2:9But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out …Both describe people as belonging to God through his choosing, using the language of being set apart or being his possession.
Titus 2:14who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.Both use “for himself” to describe a people belonging to God, with Titus emphasizing redemption, purity, and good works.
Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.Both describe God taking the initiative toward people whose lives are marked by godliness or good works.
Where this verse fits
Feeling distant from God. wanting a steady prayer habit. work conflict.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
David’s distress has not vanished when he says YHWH will hear. Your prayer need not wait for calm; YHWH hears those he has set apart for himself.
Now put it in your words.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).